DNR funding bill could get second look

SPRINGFIELD -- A funding measure to help the Illinois Department of Natural Resources address a backlog of repairs piling up at state parks could get another look during the veto session.

CHRIS YOUNG

SPRINGFIELD -- A funding measure to help the Illinois Department of Natural Resources address a backlog of repairs piling up at state parks could get another look during the veto session.

The bill, Senate Bill 1566, would add $2 to the cost of a license plate renewal — currently $99 for most passenger vehicles — and provide money for the upkeep of state parks. SB 1566 could eventually bring in $32 million annually for DNR.

The bill failed in the waning hours of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, but DNR director Marc Miller said he is “cautiously optimistic” the bill will be called and passed during the veto session this week or next.

“We have had the opportunity to talk to more of our senators to let them know the importance of (this bill), and we have more ‘yes’ votes than we had previously,” he said. “When we tell them we have $750 million worth of backlogged capital projects and maintenance, that carries a great deal of weight.”

Miller said the maintenance has been deferred for years.

“All of us know these state parks are very important,” he said. “We can’t have these things falling down around us and still have a quality experience.”

The agency has seen its share of general revenue funds cut in half by the Illinois General Assembly over the past decade, from about $100 million to less than $50 million.

As a result, DNR has come to rely more and more on funds supplied by those who buy hunting and fishing licenses or pay camping and other fees.

Aaron Kuehl, Illinois conservation director for Pheasants Forever, said constituent groups are mobilizing to contact state senators that may be on the fence.

“We’re contacting legislators that haven’t committed one way or the other, and trying to get their support for the bill,” he said.

Miller said he has received assurances from Gov. Pat Quinn’s office that the new funds will not be diverted to other uses and that DNR’s share of general revenue will remain level.

“That is one of the great concerns,” Miller said. “(Legislators and constituents) are concerned about what is going to happen to the (general tax revenue) money,”

Miller said the governor’s commitments to DNR not to siphon off more money should put legislators at ease.